Lecture 3-theory Flashcards
define a moral theory and explain how to evaluate if a moral theory is “successful”
- must be internally coherent
- cannot contain?
- cannot produce?
- cannot contain conflicting principles
- cannot produce conflicting results
define a moral theory and explain how to evaluate if a moral theory is “successful”
-success of a moral theory is measured by?
- If it is coherent
- How easy it is to use
- If it lines up with our institutions
Consequentialist vs non-consequentialist?
consequentialist-act-utilitarianism and ethical egoism
nonconsequentialist-Kant’s deontology
define a moral theory and explain how to evaluate if a moral theory is “successful”
- start with an explanation/definition of “right” and “good”
- provide a procedure for assessing the “goodness” or “rightness” of an action or person
- must be internally coherent
Act-utilitarianism
-Definition of “good”
That which produces the maximum amount of happiness for all affected
Act-utilitarianism
-procedure for assessing the “goodness” of an action?
- How much happiness did the action create?
- Was there an alternative action that would have produced more happiness?
Act-utilitarianism
-Internal coherence?
- Happiness trumps everything else
- No internal conflicts
Ethical egoism
-Definition of “good”
That which is in my personal best interest
Ethical egoism
-procedure for assessing the “goodness” of an action?
Was the chosen action the one which which maximized my long-term best interests?
Ethical egoism
-internal coherence?
- Personal best interest trumps everything else
- No internal conflicts
Ethical egoism
-Example?
?
Kant’s deontology
-definition of “good”
doing ones “duty”
Kant’s deontology
-Procedure for assessing the “goodness” of an action?
- Which action would be universalizable
- Which action treats others as ends in themselves
Kant’s deontology
-Internal coherence?
Duty trumps all
No internal conflicts
Kant’s deontology
-Example?
?
